Kris Draper's playing career came to an end Tuesday after winning four Stanley Cups and helping the Detroit Red Wings become a dominant National Hockey League team.

"I'm here to announce my retirement as a player, something I've thought long and hard about," Draper said. "It's the most difficult decision I've ever had to make, because I love the game so much and, more importantly, I love the Red Wings."

Draper likely will remain with the team in some capacity, alluding to that in his farewell media conference.

Draper played 17 seasons with the Wings, anchoring the Grind Line -- a checking group that was among the best the NHL has seen. Joey Kocur, Kirk Maltby and Darren McCarty were usually his linemates.

Along the way, Draper was on six Cup teams -- the Wings lost in the 1995 and 2009 finals but won 1997, 1998, 2002 and 2008.

"I played with great players, and because of that I was able to get my name on the Stanley Cup -- the ultimate prize for any hockey player," Draper said, reading from a statement.

He became emotional, as expected, having apologized early in his comments for not making eye contact.

Draper, 40, had 158 goals and 203 assists with the Wings. He won the Selke Trophy as the National Hockey League's best defensive forward following the 2003-04 season. Injuries limited him to 47 games and 11 points last season.

The Wings might have run out of room at forward. Patrick Eaves and Drew Miller were re-signed and prospects are expected to also get a chance to play next season.

Darren Helm appears likely to become the Red Wings' replacement for Draper as center of their checking line.

Draper made his NHL debut with the Winnipeg Jets during the 1990-91 season and has 161 goals and 364 points in his career.

He joined the Wings in 1993, famously acquired for future considerations that became $1.

Among his many thanks to Red Wings players and personnel, Draper saluted the team's fans. "Hockeytown fans are the greatest fans, both at home and on the road," he said.

Draper joins defenseman Brian Rafalski and goalie Chris Osgood in announcing retirement this offseason. Other Wings from his era have stayed with the team in coaching, advisory and administrative positions.

Draper has appeared in 1,157 regular-season games, getting 161 goals and 203 assists. He also played 222 playoff games, with 24 goals and 22 assists. Those totals include time with the original Winnipeg Jets, who drafted him in the third round, 62nd overall, in 1989.

He is one of five players to have appeared in at least 1,000 games with the Red Wings. The others are legendary -- Gordie Howe, Alex Delvecchio, Steve Yzerman and current captain Nicklas Lidstrom.

On Feb. 2, 2009, Draper became the 235th player in NHL history to play in 1,000 career games. His 1,000th game with the Wings came on March 17 that season.

“Kris Draper has represented the Detroit Red Wings with nothing but class and dedication for the last 17 years,” Red Wings general manager Ken Holland said in a statement on the team website. “His extraordinary work ethic has provided a great example for all players within our organization and his influence on the young players in our system will be felt for years to come. I cannot thank Kris enough for all he has done for us. He is a true professional.”

"As you can probably tell, I love everything about the game and everything about the Red Wings, and that's why I'm going to miss this so much," Draper said.